Chinese Yutu-2 Rover Has Discovered Mysterious Glass Shaped Spheres On The Dark Side Of The Moon

The Chinese Yutu-2 rover that is currently on the dark side of the moon has discovered two perfectly sphere balls of translucent glass known as spherules.

It is hoped that these spherules can give insight into the geological history of the Moon. While the current mission will be unbale to analyse these in any sort of depth now we know they exist, it will make them prime targets for any future mission.

It is suggested that these objects were formed by volcanic activity in the Moon's ancient past, however this is far from certain. This is because these spherules are much larger than those commonly found on the surface, which tend to be less than a millimetre across. As such, it is possible they were created via a meteorite impact or other lunar event.

The research paper outlining the findings says:

"Collectively, the peculiar morphology, geometry, and local context of the glass globules are consistent with being anorthositic impact glasses."

In terms of providing future research potential, the researchers say:

"As the first discovery of macroscopic and translucent glass globules on the Moon, this study predicts that such globules should be abundant across the lunar highland, providing promising sampling targets to reveal the early impact history of the Moon."

Yutu-2 is the robotic lunar rover component of CNSA's Chang'e 4 mission to the Moon and has been on the lunar surface since 2018. The landing craft released the rover, which has been exploring the surface and sending back detailed information via its camera and other scientific equipment. Currently, yutu-2 is the longest-serving lunar rover to ever be active on the Moon's surface.

Both the United States and China hope to send further lunar modules in the near future and there has even been talk of another manned space mission to the Moon, which would be the first-time man has stepped on the moon in over 50 years.

[Based on reporting by: science alert]